My last post, Alice in Browserland, has resulted in a lot of questions so I want to elaborate on the “Google Analytics vs. Internet Explorer 8″ issue. Here are some answers to the questions I received, and also my thoughts on how things might play out.
How does “Porno Mode” (aka “InPrivate Mode”) on Internet Explorer 8 work?
The “InPrivate” browsing feature in IE8 consists of two privacy elements:
- InPrivate Browsing
It allows browsing without leaving any trace. For example, you go from Salesforce.com (work-related) to Expedia (book that holiday) to Bank of America (check your balances) to clicking on some adult links you got from your buddies. When you use InPrivate browsing, officially you went nowhere once you have closed the browsing window! No entries in the browser history, no cookies, no cached files, no autocomplete or other information stored. - InPrivate Blocking
This feature blocks the various utilities that track users across websites. The internet has gone from being an anonymous place to a user-tracking paradise since the invention of the browser “cookie” and JavaScript-based analytics programs. This new feature of IE8 makes sure that nobody (read Google) can find out what websites you are visiting in order to serve you better advertisements.
Do you have to activate “Porno/InPrivate” Mode?
Yes, you have to activate it. Microsoft would love to make this the default mode. However, there are users like me who have several passwords, bookmarks, etc, that they need to access on a regular basis. In addition, I don’t think InPrivate mode will be favorable for the business world. They do not want their employees to enter the web incognito like Jason Bourne and leave no trace of the websites they have browsed during the workday.
What are the chances of IE8 taking off?
Very good, actually. It has the muscle of the Microsoft Empire behind it. Remember when Microsoft massacred Netscape by preloading Explorer as the default browser on every new computer they sell? Their strength is in their numbers: 73% of the world uses Internet Explorer and they will all be “encouraged” to move or “upgrade” to IE 8.
What’s with all this new innovation from Microsoft?
The master plan behind launching Internet Explorer 8 is not to better the World Wide Web or improve internet privacy. Microsoft wants to go after Google’s lunch, which happens to be its advertisement serving platform. This platform relies heavily on Analytics to ensure that the right advertisements are served to each user based on the user’s history and preferences. This is what has made Google the powerhouse it is today. They give you the best ROI on your advertising dollars by serving your ads to your target audience.
What about Google Analytics?
Google is the master of preemptive strikes. As I type this, not only have they launched their own browser but are probably working on a solution for Google Analytics. Nothing official about these modifications has been made public.
Is Chrome good/safe for download?
If you have been using search engines for a while, chances are that Google already knows enough about you. There is no harm in giving in to the Google machine. It’s an open source browser with very good JavaScript processing capabilities. In additon, it’s “multithread” feature means that one of your tabs won’t crash the entire browser session. It’s still in early beta mode, so don’t be afraid to take it for a spin. Who knows, you might fall in browser-love!
In Summary…
Both Microsoft and Google have transformed the basic browser into a new kind of weaponry. The browsers choices we make today will determine how these two companies will transform the Computing and Internet landscape in the near future. Personally, I love Firefox and will remain a loyal user.
You’re already in Browserland - just make sure you enter through the right rabbithole.
